The true meaning of rescuing a dog is not simply giving an animal a home; it is choosing to stand in the fragile space between suffering and hope. All our dogs are based in China, rescued from the dog meat trade, and many arrive carrying experiences no living being should ever endure, marked by fear, uncertainty, and a deep mistrust of the world around them.

NoToDogMeat was founded over twelve years ago by Julia, who made the extraordinary decision to sell her family home to fund the shelter’s beginnings. What started as an act of conviction has grown into a sanctuary for hundreds of dogs rescued directly from situations of profound suffering. Many of these rescues take place in extremely challenging and often dangerous conditions, with our team risking their own safety to bring each animal into care.

Because all our dogs are based in China, adoption means giving one of these survivors a journey across distance and circumstance, from survival into safety, stability, and love.

Many will not be adopted. Some will spend the rest of their lives with us, and they will always have a safe, loving home at NoToDogMeat. Here, they are not simply kept; they are healed, protected, and given the dignity they were once denied. For them, the shelter is not a temporary stop, but a lifetime of safety and care.

Those in our care become deeply known to our team over time. Through patience, daily care, and unwavering dedication, we come to understand each dog as an individual, what comforts them, what unsettles them, and how they have learned to trust again. This means that when you enquire about adoption or fostering, we’re able to make thoughtful, informed matches that truly consider both you and the dog.

We also take great pride in how every dog and cat is transported to safety. We do not use cargo services, external boarding, or third-party agents. Each animal is carefully prepared and personally accompanied by our team all the way to Beijing Airport. On arrival in Paris or Holland, we are there at the crack of dawn to receive them and ensure they are safe, supported, and ready for the final stage of their journey into a new life. While others may work differently, and we respect all efforts to help animals, we believe this continuous, hands-on care is a unique strength we offer as a registered charity.

Adoption or fostering is not just about saving a life. It is about becoming part of a journey that turns fear into trust and survival into belonging.

“Our little flowerpot,” Camille, now a very old boy, was the first known meat trade rescue to fly with a foreign charity out of China, as recognised and shared by Air France.

Costs involved are often the next question, and we believe it is important to be completely open and transparent from the outset. These are not fees for profit, but the real and necessary costs we incur in rescuing, preparing, and transporting each dog or cat safely from China into a new life.

The total cost can vary depending on destination and individual travel requirements. Brexit and the pandemic have made the process more complex and expensive, but despite this, we continue to do everything possible to bring each animal to safety. It is also important to note that the UK does not permit animals to travel in-cabin with passengers, meaning all dogs must first arrive in Europe before onward travel can be arranged.

If needed, we can also support adopters with fundraising, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent a suitable home from giving a rescue animal a second chance.

On average, the cost to fly a dog or cat to Paris is £1,300. From there, onward travel can be arranged depending on your location. You are always welcome to collect your pet in person, which many adopters choose to do.

Adoption Travel and Veterinary Costs reflect the essential preparation required to ensure each animal is healthy, compliant, and travel-ready:

Estimated Costs

Onward travel will vary depending on the destination. Wherever possible, we recommend meeting your pet in Paris, where most arrivals land. For UK travel, collection is usually arranged in London or the Southeast. For adopters across Europe, tailored arrangements can be provided.

These costs reflect the genuine, essential work involved in relocating rescued animals safely from China. Nothing is added beyond what is required to complete that journey and ensure each animal reaches safety, is health checked and ready for their new life.

We are also able to arrange travel to the USA and Canada.

We not only care deeply for our dogs and cats, but also for our adopters. We take genuine pride in staying in close contact throughout the transport process and onward journey, and we remain available as you and your new companion begin to bond, grow together, and settle into your new life side by side.

“I received phone calls, videos and photos throughout my rescue’s entire journey, and it was so reassuring to be part of every step. From the moment they left with Julia and Mr Zhao right through to collection, it was lovely to see their journey unfold and know they were being cared for the whole way.”

To adopt or foster is to change the entire direction of a life. It is the point where survival becomes safety, and where a rescued animal finally learns what it means to belong. For many of our dogs, that one decision is everything. Please follow our social media to see dogs and cats currently available for adoption to contact us visit www.notodogmeat.com/adopt

NoToDogMeat Staff Writer Julie Gledhill

Categories: Adoption, rescue, Uncategorized

Tags: adoptdontshop, dog rescue